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Posted on: September 6, 2013

Third annual Pierce County Citizenship Celebration

The public is invited to join the celebration and watch as approximately 100 immigrants become new citizens, sworn in by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Field Office Director Linda Dougherty. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 21, at the Mount Tahoma High School Auditorium, 4634 S. 74th Street in Tacoma.

The September ceremony date coincides with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which are observed on Sept. 17. This national holiday commemorates the signing of the Constitution and the recognition of “all who, by naturalization, have become citizens."

Since the 1940’s Pierce County residents travelled to Seattle for their formal citizenship ceremony. Three years ago the Pierce County Auditor’s Office spearheaded a group dedicated to having the ceremony close to home. "Pierce County is proud of each and every immigrant and refugee who makes the tremendous effort to complete the naturalization process. We embrace these new citizens and voters and want to honor them right here in Pierce County," says Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor.

"United by our devotion to the Constitution and to the civic engagement it inspires, Americans remain committed to the fundamental principles established over two hundred years ago,” Dougherty said.

Approximately 100 immigrants are expected to participate and become American citizens. Together with their family members and supporters, nearly 500 people are expected to attend.

The Sons of the American Revolution will be on hand in period dress and will post the colors. Pocket-sized books of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights will be given away with American flags.

About the Citizenship CeremonyThe ceremony is planned by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office, USCIS, and a number of local non-profit partners. It was made possible this year by a generous donation from the Haughton Family Foundation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:Questions about immigration and naturalization:Sharon Rummery, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services415-248-8873 or 415-987-0191 (mobile)Sharon.Rummery@uscis.dhs.gov